SPREAD LOVE

Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

There’s something wonderfully homey about slow-cooked chicken and stuffing that brings the house together—warm aromas, soft chicken, and savory, buttery stuffing melding into comfort food perfection. If you love hands-off dinners that still feel like a hug, this recipe delivers exactly that; for another creamy slow-cooker option, try the slow-cooker creamy garlic chicken and veggies for a flavor cousin that’s just as easy to make. Simple, forgiving, and ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings, this dish makes feeding a crowd effortless.

Why make this recipe
This dish earns its spot in your regular rotation because:

It’s practically set-and-forget: toss ingredients into the slow cooker and come back to a complete meal.
It combines protein and a hearty starch in one pot, cutting prep, cleanup, and stress.
The flavors are universally appealing—creamy, savory, and cozy—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package stuffing mix
1 cup chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

Overview
This version of slow cooker chicken and stuffing uses simple pantry staples to create a rich, comforting casserole-style meal with minimal effort. The chicken stays tender while the stuffing absorbs the creaminess of soup and broth, plus the savory notes of butter and aromatics. Read through the steps before you start so you can prepare the onion and celery and have everything at hand.

Preparation notes before cooking

Use chicken breasts that are as even in thickness as possible; if needed, pound them lightly so they cook evenly.
If your stuffing mix contains a lot of seasoning or unusual herbs, taste cautiously before adding more salt.
The timing below assumes a standard 6-quart slow cooker; adjust as needed for larger or smaller cookers.

Step 1 — Layer the base
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking. Lightly season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to boost the overall seasoning profile.

Step 2 — Make the stuffing mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the stuffing mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, chopped onion, chopped celery, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to distribute the wet ingredients through the stuffing mix so it’s evenly moistened but not soupy.

Step 3 — Combine
Pour the stuffing mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, covering the breasts as evenly as possible. The stuffing will sit on top and cook down slightly, soaking up flavors from the chicken and liquid.

Step 4 — Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the stuffing is heated and tender. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture to the stuffing, check at 4 hours. For a softer, more melded result, allow the full 6 hours.

Step 5 — Serve warm
Serve warm, ideal for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight meal. Spoon generous portions so each serving includes both chicken and a hearty scoop of stuffing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for color and brightness.

Tips for timing and doneness

If you need to speed things up, cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, but check chicken for doneness earlier to avoid drying.
Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
If the stuffing looks too dry mid-cook, add a few tablespoons of extra chicken broth and stir gently if possible.

Keeping {Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing} Fresh

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months at 0°F (-18°C).
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen; reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 20–30 minutes) or microwave individual portions until hot.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing

Classic family plate: Scoop chicken and stuffing onto a warm plate with steamed green beans or glazed carrots and a simple garden salad.
Holiday-style: Add a side of cranberry relish and roasted Brussels sprouts to dress this up for a casual holiday meal.
Potluck friendly: Keep it warm in the slow cooker on the low setting for buffet-style serving; include serving spoons and labels so guests know what’s inside.

Tips to make Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing (Q&A style)
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A: Cook on LOW and avoid overcooking; remove the lid in the last 15–30 minutes only if you want to firm up the stuffing slightly. A light baste of the cooking juices over the chicken before serving helps lock in moisture.

Q: My stuffing is too dry—how can I fix it?
A: Stir in a few tablespoons of hot chicken broth or warmed cream of chicken soup, mixing gently until it reaches the texture you like.

Q: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes—boneless skinless thighs are more forgiving and remain juicier if your slow cooker tends to run hot. Reduce cook time slightly if using smaller pieces.

Variations (two options)

Herb-roasted twist (bullet): Swap the plain stuffing mix for an herb-seasoned or garlic-and-onion stuffing; add 1–2 teaspoons dried thyme and rosemary to the stuffing mixture for a more aromatic profile.
Dairy-free substitution (paragraph): If you need this recipe dairy-free, replace the melted butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and swap the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free cream soup or a homemade roux using flour and broth. The texture will be slightly different but still satisfying.

Why this recipe works (expanded)
This slow cooker chicken and stuffing recipe excels because it leverages the strengths of slow cooking: it tenderizes lean chicken breasts and allows the stuffing to absorb flavorful juices and fats over several hours. The cream of chicken soup adds body and a silky mouthfeel without heavy cream, while butter and chicken broth provide richness and depth. The simplicity of the ingredient list also makes it accessible—no special shopping trip required—and the one-pot convenience reduces cleanup and kitchen time.

Serving and presentation ideas

Create contrast: Add a crisp salad or quickly roasted vegetable to balance the dish’s richness. Arugula with lemon vinaigrette or roasted broccoli with lemon zest both cut through the buttery stuffing.
Family-style platter: Transfer the contents to a warmed baking dish, top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or scallions, and set it in the center of the table so everyone can serve themselves.
Make it festive: For holiday gatherings, scatter toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the stuffing for texture and a slight nutty flavor.

Common adjustments and swaps

Bread-based stuffing: If your stuffing mix is cornbread-based or has unusual flavors, consider reducing any added seasonings in the mix so the final dish isn’t over-seasoned.
Extra vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen peas or a handful of diced carrots with the stuffing mix for added color and nutrition. These additions generally cook through in the allotted time without getting mushy.

FAQs
Q: Can I brown the chicken first?
A: Absolutely. Browning the breasts in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side will add a layer of caramelized flavor, but it’s optional—skip it for a truly low-effort meal.

Q: Is this recipe safe for a slow cooker overnight?
A: It’s not recommended to leave perishable items at room temperature; if your slow cooker has a reliable low-temperature setting and the machine is designed for overnight use, it may be safe, but 4–6 hours on low during waking hours is the standard practice for chicken breasts.

Q: How do I thicken the stuffing if it’s too loose after cooking?
A: Remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes to help evaporate excess moisture. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake briefly at 375°F (190°C) until the top firms.

Frequently asked (bold question style)
What if I only have one chicken breast per person?

Adjust the proportions of stuffing mix and liquids so the stuffing remains moist without overwhelming the chicken; reduce stuffing mix slightly and keep the broth/soup ratio steady.

Can I make this in an oven instead?

Yes; assemble in a covered baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–60 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and stuffing is heated through.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Extra suggestions and troubleshooting

Salt levels: Taste the stuffing mix before adding extra salt—some packaged mixes already contain a lot of sodium.
Texture preference: For a drier stuffing, reduce the chicken broth by 1/4 cup or cook uncovered for the final 20–30 minutes. For creamier, add an extra 1/4 cup of cream of chicken soup or broth.
Leftovers: Repurpose leftovers by shredding the chicken into a creamy soup, stuffing pepper halves, or using as a filling for a cozy pot pie.

Make-ahead and meal prep ideas

Prepare the stuffing mixture the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the chilled stuffing mixture over it, and start cooking. This reduces morning prep to nearly zero.
If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and use two slow cookers—one on low and one kept warm during serving—to ensure there’s plenty without overfilling a single pot.

Final plating tips

Use shallow bowls to hold a generous scoop of stuffing with a chicken breast on top. Drizzle a little of the cooking juices over the chicken to add gloss and moisture. Scatter chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme) over the top for freshness and color contrast.

Conclusion

For a straightforward and satisfying one-pot meal, this slow cooker chicken and stuffing brings food that tastes like home to the table with minimal fuss; for additional inspiration on similar comfort-food slow cooker recipes, check out this detailed take on a classic Crockpot chicken and stuffing recipe that includes helpful tips and variations. If you’re curious about another slow-cooker style pairing, especially one that highlights creamy textures and vegetables, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing – Emily Bites post offers a complementary perspective and serving ideas.